Step by Step: Application Nail Wraps
Step 1
Preparation & Cleaning
Before you start: If your Nail Wraps were stored in a cool place, they can become hard and stiff. Don't apply them while they're still cold – they could crack or come off more easily later. Let them rest at room temperature for at least a day first, and make sure your hands aren't cold when applying, as this can affect adhesion too.
Push back cuticles: Soften your cuticles in a lukewarm hand bath and gently push them back. This step is important: if the Nail Wrap sticks to the cuticle, air and moisture can get underneath and the wraps won't last as long.
Smooth the surface: If your nails have ridges, gently file them smooth with a buffer. An even base helps prevent bubbles and wrinkles later on.
Clean & degrease: Clean your natural nails with our Nail Cleaning Pads, a gentle nail polish remover or our Nail Wrap Remover to remove oil, nail polish residue and dirt. Your nails must be completely free of oil and moisture – including at the edges – because Nail Wraps don't adhere well to oily or damp surfaces.
Pro tip: After degreasing, let your nails dry for another 2–3 minutes before applying the wraps.
Optional – Base Coat: A Base Coat isn't necessary, but it can even out slight unevenness, give your natural nail extra protection and make removal easier. It's especially useful if you're transitioning from gel nails back to natural nails. Depending on your nail type, it may slightly affect adhesion – simply try out what works best for your nails.
By the way: Our Nail Wraps can also be applied over acrylic nails, gel nails, shellac or nail polish. On gel and acrylic nails, cleaning is usually not necessary, since unlike natural nails they don't produce oil.
Step 2
Choose Design & Size
Each set of 24 Nail Wraps contains seven different sizes, so you can choose the right one for each nail. If you are unsure between two sizes, choose the smaller one – the right size is key to avoiding bubbles and wrinkles.
Exception for gel and acrylic nails: Here, always choose the larger size if you're unsure, since the nail is a bit wider due to the curve of the gel layer.
Tip: You can simply cut the Nail Wrap to size on the backing paper. Finer details can be carefully trimmed directly on the nail with a cuticle remover.
Step 3
Stick on Nail Wraps
Remove the protective film and carefully peel the Nail Wrap off the carrier sheet, touching the adhesive side as little as possible. Place the Nail Wrap in the center of your nail, making sure it doesn't touch your skin. Then smooth it out from the center towards the edges – this prevents bubbles and wrinkles.
Avoid stretching the Nail Wrap over the nail edge – it can shrink back to its original shape after the top coat is applied.
Step 4
Shorten & File
Cut off the excess length slightly above the nail edge and stick the leftover piece back onto the carrier sheet – that way you can use it for another nail later.
Fold the overhanging part towards your fingertip without pulling and press it firmly onto the nail edge. Then file off the excess with our Glass Nail File – it cuts the wrap more cleanly than other files.
Tip for clean edges: Hold the file vertically and file in one direction only, from top to bottom. Filing roughly back and forth can cause an unsightly edge or "tip wear" and make the wrap lift at the tip.
Finally, press the edges firmly once more before moving on to the Top Coat.
Step 5
Sealing
Sealing your Nail Wraps is essential for long-lasting hold. Use our Top Coat, which was specially developed for our Nail Wraps – glossy for a shiny finish or matte for a velvety look. It doesn't need to be cured under a UV lamp: one thin layer is enough to seal the wraps.
Apply only a thin layer: a layer that's too thick can cause the wrap to pull together as it dries.
Wrap the tip: Also apply Top Coat to the front edge of your nail. This seals the edge and helps prevent tip wear.
For extra-long hold, refresh the seal after a few days with another thin layer of Top Coat.
Alternative: Instead of our classic Top Coat, you can also seal your Nail Wraps with a UV Top Coat (or with gel on gel and acrylic nails) and cure them under a UV lamp.
Tip: If the nail edge looks slightly worn after a few days, carefully file it and seal your manicure again.
Make Your Nail Wraps Last
Right after application: Avoid contact with water or lotion for the first 1–2 hours. The adhesive needs some time to fully set.
Pro tip: Do your nails in the evening while watching your favorite show – that way they can set perfectly overnight.
In summer: Don't apply chemical sunscreen directly onto your wraps. It can act similarly to nail polish remover and make the surface matte and sticky.
Pro tip: Use mineral sunscreen, or wash your nails right after applying sunscreen.
Removal
Remove Nail Wraps
Soak a cotton pad in our mild, acetone-free Nail Wrap Remover. Place it on your nail, press gently and let it work for a moment. After a short time, the wrap loosens and can be wiped off towards your fingertip with light pressure – just like regular nail polish.
If any adhesive residue remains at the nail edge, simply remove it with a bit of nail oil.
Important: Never peel the Nail Wraps off – this can damage your natural nail.
Tip for gel and acrylic nails: Place a cotton pad soaked in acetone-free nail polish remover on the Nail Wraps for 1–2 minutes. After that, the wraps can be carefully peeled off the artificial nail.
Good to Know
Wear & Hold
How long do the classic Nail Wraps last on the nails?
Our Nail Wraps last up to 3 weeks. Wear time can vary depending on how quickly your nails grow and how you use your hands day to day. For the best hold, clean your nails with our Nail Cleaning Pads and push back your cuticles before application. Sealing the Nail Wraps with our Top Coat is also essential – it was specially developed for our Nail Wraps and seals them with one thin layer.
My Nail Wraps lift at the edges or roll up after a few days. Why is that?
This can have several causes. Make sure your nails are completely free of oil and moisture before applying – even the smallest residue can affect adhesion. Always file the edges in one direction only, so the wrap doesn't lift at the tip. And avoid contact with water or lotion for the first 1–2 hours after application, so the adhesive can fully set.
If you've already followed these tips and are still having issues, feel free to reach out to us with a few photos via our Contact Form – we'll take a look together with you.
Do all designs and colors hold up equally well?
In general, our designs shouldn't show any major differences in longevity. However, depending on the color, structure or finish (e.g. lighter, darker, with glitter), there can occasionally be small differences in wear behavior.
If your Nail Wraps in a particular design come off or chip noticeably faster than usual (for example, after just a few days), that doesn't meet our standard – please reach out to us with a few photos via our Contact Form.
After removing my Nail Wraps, my nails are thin and break easily. What can I do?
This can happen if the top layer of the natural nail is unintentionally removed along with the wrap while peeling it off. This makes the nail tips thinner and more prone to breaking. So when removing, never tear the wrap off – always loosen it gently with the recommended remover.
To do something good for your nails afterwards, we recommend an intensive nail oil treatment right after removal and regular care in the following days. It's also a good idea to give your nails a short break without wraps or polish so they can recover. If your nails don't recover over a longer period, we recommend consulting a professional (e.g. at a nail salon) or a doctor.
Product & Storage
What's the advantage over regular nail polish?
- Easier, gentler and faster to apply than nail polish
- Longer-lasting than nail polish (up to 3 weeks)
- Intricate designs, even without experience as a nail artist
- No smudged or streaked color
- Doesn't chip
- Vegan, HEMA-free and cruelty-free
What material are the classic Nail Wraps made from?
Our classic Nail Wraps are made from a material similar to nail polish. This makes them ultra-thin, so they sit perfectly on your nails. Sustainability and animal welfare matter a lot to us: all our products are HEMA-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
How many applications does one pack of Nail Wraps last for?
A Nail Wrap set includes 24 wraps in 7 different sizes. Occasionally there are also limited sets with fewer wraps, which still include various sizes. If you cut a Nail Wrap in half, one wrap can work for two nails – so one set is usually enough for 4 applications. A Nail Wrap that has already been used can't be reused.
Can I stick one Nail Wrap on top of another as an overlay?
Yes! Layering one Nail Wrap on top of another is even often recommended for special effects or accent nails – transparent or glittery designs work especially well. First apply a layer of Nail Wraps to all nails, then apply the second layer as an overlay on top. Press both layers down well and finish with a thin layer of Top Coat so the result lasts longer.
Can I use Nail Wrap Remover to make my thickened or clumped Top Coat liquid again?
No, please never do this. Our Nail Wrap Remover is designed to dissolve the chemical bonds of nail polish and wraps. If you pour it into the Top Coat bottle, it will permanently break down the formula – the Top Coat becomes dull, clumps and no longer dries properly.
Once opened, a Top Coat only lasts for a limited time (you'll find the shelf life on the back of the bottle). If it no longer applies smoothly, it's unfortunately time to dispose of it.
How long does an unopened pack of Nail Wraps stay good for?
When stored properly and protected from heat and light, our Nail Wraps last several years unopened in their original packaging. Once opened, you should use them up within 6 months. Store opened Nail Wraps well packaged in their protective sleeve, in a dark, cool place.
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